On 10 July, Electric Picnic announced the launch of The Banquet at Electric Picnic, a “Black Tie come Festival Fabulous” dining event catered by Tesco finest* ambassador and chef Mark Moriarty and Michelin-star chef Derry Clarke.

“Together we’re presenting a menu of food that is classically Irish based, simple and confident, presented in a new way,” said Moriarty in a press release.

The banquet consists of five courses and includes vegetarian options, starting with smoked salmon or cauliflower cigars, followed by baked orzo with chili, prawn, and fennel; BBQ West Cork dry aged rib eye or portobello mushroom; salted lemon tart, pine nut, and frozen sorrel with Tuscan olive oil for dessert; and coffee and teas to finish.

“I thoroughly enjoyed putting together the menu,” said Clarke of his experience. “It’s a fantastic way to have a gourmet dining experience in a festival setting.”

After the success of last year’s exclusive Banquet, Festival Director Melvin Benn exclaimed his enthusiasm for this year’s rendition: “I am really looking forward to the Banquet this year, last year was such a success from the setting to the food to the money raised for charity.”

All proceeds from The Banquet’s ticket sales will go to Pieta House, a mental health resource organisation, and Temple Street Foundation, which supports the Temple Street Children’s University Hospital.

“We are delighted to be a beneficiary of this unique banquet at Electric Picnic,” stated Elaine Austin, CEO of Pieta House. “The funds received help us to provide nationwide therapeutic and counselling services free of charge to people who are in suicidal distress, engaging in self-harm and to support people and families bereaved by suicide.”

Denise Fitzgerald, Chief Executive for the Temple Street Foundation recalled that the need for world class treatment for sick children and their families is incessant. “The funds raised at this year’s banquet will help to ensure that these children continue to have access to the very best equipment and care, when they need it the most,” she explained.

Tickets for The Banquet, which will have four sittings between Saturday and Sunday, are available for €120 at https://www.giv2go.com/thebanquet2019. An Electric Picnic ticket and a Banquet ticket are both required to attend this event.